• Identify and choose the relevant theories and models applicable to describe, order and analyze the problems identified during the analysis of a specific industry, the focal company, the strategic issues at stake and the implementation plan;
• Bridge and combine theories and frameworks from different disciplines to derive a comprehensive, coherent and well-articulated picture of the industry, company, choice of strategic issue and implementation plan;
• Use theories and frameworks to develop conclusions which are driven by data and insight and present it in a convincing manner, ensuring that the conclusions from analyses are clearly communicated
• Analyze all problems identified, and argue why specific models have been applied
• Present the overall conclusions in a coherent manner (as a holistic argument) where individual parts build on each other

The Integrated In-Company Strategy Projects (ISPs) continue to be a unique feature of all the CBS MBA programs (EMBA, Full-time and Shipping MBA). In total over 800 projects have been completed since 1994 covering a wide range of industries and companies. The following describes the objectives of the ISP to be completed satisfactorily to meet the formal requirements of the FT-MBA program.

Objectives of the Integrated In-Company Strategy Projects:

The main objective of the Integrated In-company Strategy Project at the CBS FTMBA program is to apply relevant theories, concepts, models and tools from the FTMBA program in order to solve a major strategic issue of a given firm. After this project, students should be able to master strategic business challenges and manage strategy processes effectively in competitive environments.

A second objective of the project is to develop holistic competencies bridging theory and practices as well as different functional disciplines. The projects demand application of concepts and models. Also, the analysis is usually based on an understanding of different functional areas (e.g. finance, operations, and marketing). The ability to manage multiple and occasionally conflicting objectives is developed – an ability which is a professional demand confronting managers involved in the transition of organizations.

The third objective is to support, to the extent that it is realistic, the process of organizational and strategic development in the organization within which projects are undertaken. The projects are chosen for their relevance to issues of major strategic significance in the organizations. It is important to note that the projects are not consultancy projects as such but a learning process. They are educational endeavors in which companies agree to participate. However, the participating companies should have a deep interest in the content and outcome of the projects, and in an ideal world they will implement the proposal.

The final objective of the project is to demonstrate the excellence of the CBS FTMBA students and the CBS FTMBA program to the corporate world. This demonstration aims at maintaining and further enhancing the reputation of the program for high standards of academic and professional endeavor. This will in turn enhance the future value of the CBS FTMBA program for its alumni. Experience also shows that the projects have served as a hiring tool for organizations and students.